Ravens vs Texans: Baltimore Crushes Houston with Henry and Jackson Leading the Charge
December 25, 2024 | HOUSTON – On a festive Christmas Day, the Baltimore Ravens gave their fans plenty to celebrate with a commanding 31-2 win in the highly anticipated Ravens vs Texans matchup. The victory not only showcased the Ravens’ strengths but also positioned them just one win away from clinching the AFC North for the second year in a row.
For the Texans, it was a day to forget. They were outclassed in every department, failing to score a touchdown and looking completely out of sync. Their lone points came from an unusual safety forced by Derrick Henry—a rare moment of relief in an otherwise grim performance.
Ravens Take Control of Their Playoff Destiny
The Ravens (11-5) now have a clear path to the division title. With one week left in the regular season, they hold a one-game lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6), who lost to the Kansas City Chiefs earlier in the day. Baltimore can seal the deal next week when they face the Cleveland Browns, a team firmly anchored at the bottom of the division.
This victory highlighted exactly what makes Baltimore so dangerous: a punishing ground game and a defense that suffocates its opponents. They racked up an impressive 251 rushing yards, with Derrick Henry leading the charge with 147 yards and Lamar Jackson adding another 87. Their complementary styles—Henry’s raw power and Jackson’s blazing speed—kept Houston on its heels all game long.
Lamar Jackson Makes NFL History
While Henry’s performance was a force to be reckoned with, Lamar Jackson once again stole the show. Not only did he electrify fans with his 87 rushing yards and two passing touchdowns, but he also broke an NFL record, surpassing Michael Vick to become the all-time leading rushing quarterback.
One of Jackson’s standout plays came in the third quarter when he broke free for a jaw-dropping 48-yard touchdown run. Clocking a top speed of 21.25 mph, it was the fastest sprint of his career and the second-fastest by any quarterback this season. Only Arizona’s Kyler Murray has run faster, at 21.27 mph.
This wasn’t just a good day for Jackson—it was a historic one, cementing his legacy as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks the league has ever seen.
Ravens Defense Shines Bright
The Ravens’ defense was relentless, making life miserable for Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. They sacked him five times and intercepted one of his passes, leaving Houston’s offense in shambles. Stroud, who has had an impressive rookie season, looked overwhelmed by Baltimore’s relentless pass rush and tight coverage.
A pivotal moment came in the second quarter when Baltimore’s Ar’Darius Washington delivered a game-changing hit on Texans running back Joe Mixon at the goal line. The stop prevented a touchdown and swung momentum squarely in Baltimore’s favor. On the very next drive, the Ravens marched 99 yards down the field, capping it off with a touchdown pass from Jackson to tight end Isaiah Likely.
The Ravens’ defense was so dominant that they came close to securing their first shutout in six years. If not for the unusual safety scored by Derrick Henry, the Texans would have been held scoreless.
Key Highlights for Baltimore
- Breaking the Ice: After 12 weeks of struggles, the Ravens finally scored a touchdown on their opening drive. Derrick Henry’s 2-yard plunge into the end zone not only broke this drought but also marked his 16th touchdown of the season, setting a new franchise record.
- Defining Moment: The goal-line stand against Joe Mixon was a defining moment of the game. It epitomized Baltimore’s grit and determination and crushed what little momentum Houston had managed to build.
- Offensive Efficiency: The Ravens didn’t just rely on their defense. Their offense consistently moved the ball, combining Henry’s power runs with Jackson’s playmaking ability to keep Houston’s defense guessing.
Texans Fall Flat in a Crucial Game
The Texans, now 9-7, were hoping to prove they could compete with the AFC’s elite. Instead, they put up one of their worst performances of the season. The offense was lifeless, managing just 58 rushing yards and failing to score a touchdown for the first time in C.J. Stroud’s career.
Stroud, who has been a bright spot for Houston this season, had a game to forget. Missing key wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, he struggled to find open targets and finished with just 185 passing yards, one interception, and five sacks. It was clear that the absence of his top playmakers left him out of sync and unable to carry the offense on his own.
Source: Ravens demolish Texans behind Derrick Henry, Lamar Jackson
Where Houston Went Wrong
The Texans’ issues weren’t just on the field—they started with the game plan. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik leaned too heavily on the passing game, even though Stroud was down two top receivers. Joe Mixon, their star running back, got just nine carries all game, leaving the offense one-dimensional and predictable.
By the time the Texans were down 10-0, the game was still within reach. But instead of finding a balanced attack, Slowik called 12 passing plays in a 13-play stretch, abandoning the run altogether. It was a baffling decision that played right into Baltimore’s hands.
Concerning Trends for Houston
- No Energy: From the opening snap, the Texans looked flat. They gave up 115 rushing yards in the first quarter alone—the most they’ve allowed in any first quarter this season.
- Stroud’s Worst Game: Stroud’s lack of rhythm and confidence was evident throughout the game. His eight off-target throws were his second most this season, and for the first time in his career, he failed to lead a single scoring drive.
- Playoff Woes: While the Texans are guaranteed a playoff spot as AFC South champions, their 1-5 record against winning teams raises serious questions about their ability to compete in the postseason.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Baltimore Ravens:
The Ravens return home next week to face the Cleveland Browns in their regular-season finale. With the division title on the line, Baltimore has every reason to stay locked in. Given Cleveland’s struggles this season, the Ravens are heavily favored to finish strong and enter the playoffs with momentum.
Houston Texans:
The Texans will travel to Tennessee to face the Titans in a game with little at stake. Locked into the No. 4 seed, Houston is expected to rest most of its starters. This could give some backups valuable playing time while allowing key players to recover from injuries. With Stefon Diggs, Tank Dell, Jimmie Ward, and Jalen Pitre already sidelined, the Texans can’t afford to risk further setbacks.
A Tale of Two Teams: Ravens Soar, Texans Stumble
This Christmas Day matchup highlighted the stark contrast between these two teams. The Ravens looked every bit the championship contender, combining explosive offense with stifling defense. Meanwhile, the Texans seemed out of their depth, showing glaring weaknesses that could spell trouble in the playoffs.
For Baltimore, the win was another step toward their ultimate goal of a deep playoff run. For Houston, it was a wake-up call—a reminder that simply making the playoffs isn’t enough. Both teams will move forward with very different mindsets, but only one appears ready to make a statement in January.
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